The role of telomeres and vitamin D in cellular aging and age-related diseases

Abstract

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a progressive decline of organ functions leading to an increased risk of age-associated diseases and death. Decades of intensive research have identified a range of molecular and biochemical pathways contributing to aging. However, many aspects regarding the regulation and interplay of these pathways are insufficiently understood. Telomere dysfunction and genomic instability appear to be of critical importance for aging at a cellular level. For example, age-related diseases and premature aging syndromes are frequently associated with telomere shortening. Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences that together with the associated sheltrin complex protect the ends of chromosomes and maintain genomic stability. Recent studies suggest that micronutrients, such as vitamin D, folate and vitamin B12, are involved in telomere biology and cellular aging. In particular, vitamin D is important for a range of vital cellular processes including cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. As a result of the multiple functions of vitamin D it has been speculated that vitamin D might play a role in telomere biology and genomic stability. Here we review existing knowledge about the link between telomere biology and cellular aging with a focus on the role of vitamin D. We searched the literature up to November 2014 for human studies, animal models and in vitro experiments that addressed this topic.

Happily (n)ever after: Aging in the context of oxidative stress, proteostasis loss and cellular senescence

“…It functions as steroid hormone, in the regulation of the immune system, seems to be involved in the cell cycle regulation, in the protection against free radicals in the central nervous system and thus may play a role in senescence and aging [292]. Vitamin D receptor knockout mice develop signs of premature aging, i.e.…”

“…infertility, muscle atrophy, reduced immune function, and osteoporosis and have a shorter life span [293]. Vitamin D deficiency, which is highly prevalent especially in house-bound or hospitalized elderly, is linked to age-related disease such as neurodegenerative diseases and CVD [273], [292].…”

Telómeros Y Calidad De La Dieta: Una Revision Sistematica

“…Las deficiencias de estas vitaminas son comunes en las personas de edad avanzada. Teniendo en cuenta el papel de estas vitaminas en la viabilidad celular, la síntesis y la reparación del ADN, se puede especular que sus respectivas deficiencias aceleran el acortamiento de los telómeros y conducen a la inestabilidad genómica (83).…”

Assessment of vitamin D status – a changing landscape

“…Additionally, 1,25-OH 2 D may elicit non-genomic cellular actions through VDR located within cell membranes activating a variety of second messengers [70]. This effect has been observed in parathyroid cells, hepatocytes, chondrocytes and epithelial cells [70][71][72][73][74].…”

“…Examples of genomic 1,25-OH 2 D actions include multiple immune function responses, control of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and regulation of both angiogenesis as well as pathways responsible for central nervous system detoxification and anti-oxidation [70]. Additionally, 1,25-OH 2 D may elicit non-genomic cellular actions through VDR located within cell membranes activating a variety of second messengers [70]. This effect has been observed in parathyroid cells, hepatocytes, chondrocytes and epithelial cells [70][71][72][73][74].…”